HE'S BEEN an integral part of Saints' rise from League 1 to European football - and to mark his birthday, we've got a special José Fonte photo gallery.

• José Fonte's Southampton career - in pictures >>

Today is the Portugese international's 32nd birthday.

It's been almost six years since he joined Southampton for £1.2m from Crystal Palace, and he has since gone on make over 220 appearances and is now the team's captain.

To celebrate his birthday, the Daily Echo has put together a special photo gallery of his Saints career, documenting the goals, the tackles and of course, the hair.

Daily Echo:

It includes memorable matches such as the JPT final, the win at the Withdean and of course the highs of recent years in the Premier League.